Coldplay: Music That Heals Mental Health

Over 14% of Indians suffer from mental health issues. However, music has always been a tool for self-expression and to find solace. One such song that I'm sure we've all listened to is Coldplay's "Fix You." Sadness is just another emotion, and this song resonates with all of us. It also addresses the emotional complexities of life, offering comfort in times of despair. We all have memories of lying down in bed, our wired earphones in our ears, humming this song after a tough day.

As we dive deeper into the lyrics of "Fix You," it becomes clear how music, in general, can play a crucial role in mental health, particularly for those struggling with depression. And with Coldplay coming to India, it gives us all a great opportunity to rewind and witness our childhood memories live.

What is the song about? It's open to interpretation, but there are three main themes: empathy, support, and a promise of hope.

"When you try your best but you don't succeed, When you get what you want but not what you need"

A familiar feeling for all of us; I'm sure these words will get us to our knees during Coldplay's India tour. People experiencing depression often feel stuck, as if their efforts are in vain, and they are unable to achieve even the most basic sense of fulfilment.

The acknowledgement of this struggle in the song's lyrics helps all of us feel understood, a crucial element when dealing with the loneliness that many times comes with depression.

This song was originally written by Chris Martin for his then-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, who had lost her father, and he tried to "fix" her. You can sense that Chris Martin is trying to be there for his wife during such a difficult time.

Coldplay's "Fix You" tells us that even though someone may not be able to solve the problem, they can still offer comfort and a sense of hope. A message that we can all carry in our lives.

Perhaps the most iconic line in the song is:

"Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you."

We're all excited to see the flashing lights in the stadium during Coldplay's India tour at this part of the song. However, let's tone down the excitement and go back to its meaning.

The metaphor of light guiding someone home is compelling. Light is often associated with hope, clarity, and understanding. The promise that "lights will guide you" resonates with us, stating that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward, even if it seems impossible to find.

We've seen reels that show fans crying while singing lines, swaying their flashlights, and being in the moment. That's the power of music and the power this song has.

The band's promise to "try to fix you" isn't about giving an instant solution but rather offering continued support and just being there, which is so important when someone is suffering. Even in real life, when you're helping someone with mental health challenges, it usually involves you being there for them. providing steady support without focusing on curing them immediately.

Music plays a big role in our mental health. It can bring out emotions that we don't normally experience, give us comfort, and offer an outlet for feelings that may otherwise be hard to express.

"Fix You" is a prime example of how a song can serve as an emotional balm for those struggling with depression or other mental health conditions. The soothing tone, gentle buildup, and powerful lyrics are an emotional rollercoaster, and they give us moments of calm when things get difficult.

Studies have shown that music can influence brain chemistry in positive ways. Listening to music releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. For people with depression, who often experience low dopamine levels, music can help bridge the gap between being on autopilot and feeling alive again.

Music therapy is also a new concept that has been popping up in clinics across the globe to help patients with depression, anxiety and trauma. Songs like "Fix You" create a shared emotional experience, making listeners feel less alone in their struggles. This song especially has become so popular, that a community has been formed over the years for those feeling lonely or depressed.

The chorus of the song is probably the most uplifting.

"Tears stream down your face When you lose something you can't replace Tears stream down your face."

This part directly addresses something that people lose that just can't be replaced easily, whether it's losing a friend, a family member, a pet, or maybe even a dream job. What makes it powerful is that the loss is being spoken about, validating what people go through but find it hard to talk about. More importantly, it reminds us that these feelings are part of being human.

Depression can make it feel like you've lost a part of yourself that you may never recover, however, Coldplay's lyrics serve as a reminder that even though some losses are permanent, you can still heal.

Many people going through mental disorders find it difficult to speak about their issues or explain them to the extent they would like to. But music serves as an outlet and a way to connect with emotions that feel too big to process. And by listening to music that resonates with them, people won't have to feel as alone as they were.

Music can also help you regulate your mood! Upbeat songs can give you an energy boost, while calm music can help you relax and reduce stress. Listening to music has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep quality, all of which are so important for maintaining mental health. In many ways, music is our constant!

"Fix You" has become an anthem of resilience. No matter where you go, you'll hear people talking about Coldplay coming to India. We must clarify that it is technically impossible to 'fix' someone's health; rather, showing up for others is the most important thing we can do.

Over the years, "Fix You" has sparked important conversations about mental health. Coldplay has helped normalise the discussion around mental health struggles, making it more acceptable to talk about emotions like grief, depression, and loneliness.

Coldplay's "Fix You" is a great example of how music can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues. Whether you're facing depression, anxiety, or simply going through a difficult time, music has the unique ability to connect with your innermost emotions and guide you toward healing. No wonder we're all excited about Coldplay's India tour.